David Wright’s electrical industry career has taken to the skies.
The 34-year-old from Youngstown was recently promoted to head of estimating and electrical engineer at “Joe” Dickey Electric to replace Gary Williams, who’s been with the company 40 years. His journey to this executive position at one of the Mahoning Valley’s prominent electrical contracting firms all started as an earn-while-you-learn union electrical apprentice.
Former Youngstown JATC electrician apprentice David Wright was recently named head of estimating at “Joe” Dickey Electric in North Lima.
Wright entered the residential electrician apprentice program through the Youngstown Area Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in 2000, soon after graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. He topped out in 2004 and joined “Joe” Dickey Electric as a journeyman electrician.
While putting in 40-hour work weeks during the day he pursued an Associate’s degree at Youngstown State University three-quarters time at night. And upon earning his two-year business degree he was brought into the estimating department as a junior estimator under Williams.
Still not finished, Wright soon began pursuing an electrical engineering technology degree at YSU in the evenings. While balancing a full-time job and near full-time college schedule he managed to participate in three Green Energy Challenge student engineering contest teams at YSU, one of which won the national championship. The other two years his team finished second and third, by the way.
He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2013, which brings us to his current position.
“Joe” Dickey Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians.
“David is a bright, young star with a comprehensive background in the electrical industry,” said David Dickey, president, “Joe” Dickey Electric. “Between his experience and formal education, and the knowledge transfer he’s been receiving from Gary Williams, we feel very strongly about the future of our estimating department.”
Wright is a shining example of how discipline, hard work and a desire to learn can lead to a successful career; no matter where it begins. In Wright’s case he initially chose a skilled trade apprentice program to kick-start his career. While there, he not only learned the ropes working side-by-side with experienced electricians, but his training was paid for and he earned a 40-hour paycheck each week along the way.
“When a person becomes a wireman they’re only limited by themselves as to what career path they can follow. It’s wide open. I always tell our apprentices the sky is the limit,” said Ed Emerick, Youngstown JATC training director. “Anybody who wants to better themselves or their families can do that through this apprentice program. There are so many examples of that, and David’s journey proves it yet again.”
“Joe” Dickey Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians. The Youngstown JATC is affiliated with the Mahoning Valley NECA chapter and IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown.